The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state has risen to 29 as of Thursday night, with an additional 60 people reported missing, according to the state's civil defense agency. This marks a significant increase from the prior report, which stated 13 fatalities and 21 missing individuals.
Brazil's President visited the affected state to meet with local authorities and offer support. He pledged government assistance to address the needs of those impacted by the ongoing rains.
Reports indicate widespread disruptions, including power outages and water shortages, across the state. Officials have documented numerous incidents of flooded roads, landslides, and collapsed bridges as water levels in rivers and streams surged. A portion of a hydroelectric dam structure also gave way on Thursday, adding to the challenges faced by residents.
Over 10,000 people have been displaced from their homes due to the severe weather conditions, as reported by the civil defense agency.
The heavy downpour, which began on Monday and is expected to continue until Friday, has resulted in more than 150 millimeters (6 inches) of rainfall in certain areas within a 24-hour period, according to Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology (INMET).
Governor Eduardo Leite described the situation as the most severe climate disaster ever experienced by the state, emphasizing the critical nature of the ongoing crisis.
Weather patterns in South America are being influenced by the El Niño climate phenomenon, which typically leads to warmer surface waters in the Equatorial Pacific region. In Brazil, El Niño historically causes droughts in the north and heavy rainfall in the south.
This year, the impacts of El Niño have been particularly pronounced, with a historic drought affecting the Amazon region. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency of extreme weather events to human-induced climate change.
